LIVING THINGS
Living organisms are characterized by growth, reproduction, metabolism, response to stimuli, homeostasis, and adaptation to the environment. Examples include humans (growth, reproduction, metabolism) and plants (photosynthesis, response to light).
Why are viruses not considered fully living organisms? Explain with reasoning.
Viruses are not considered fully living because they cannot reproduce on their own and lack the machinery for metabolism. They must infect a host cell to replicate.
Why can fungi not perform photosynthesis, and how do they sustain themselves?
Fungi do not have chlorophyll, so they cannot perform photosynthesis. They obtain nutrients through absorption from organic matter, using external digestion.
Why is sunlight considered the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?
Sunlight is the primary source of energy because it drives photosynthesis, the process that produces energy-rich compounds used by most organisms in ecosystems.
WHO IS THE PRINCIPAL?
PROFE FRAN
Why is growth and reproduction essential for living organisms? Are there any exceptions?
Growth and reproduction are essential for the survival of a species. Growth enables organisms to reach maturity, and reproduction ensures the continuation of the species. Exceptions: Some organisms, like sterile worker ants, don't reproduce but contribute to the colony's survival.
Describe the five major groups of vertebrates and mention a key characteristic of each.
Mammals: Warm-blooded, hair/fur, live births (e.g., humans, whales).
Birds: Feathers, lay eggs (e.g., eagles, parrots).
Reptiles: Scales, lay eggs (e.g., snakes, lizards).
Amphibians: Moist skin, lay eggs in water (e.g., frogs, salamanders).
Fish: Gills, live in water (e.g., sharks, goldfish).
Explain the importance of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle and how they contribute to ecosystems.
Bacteria convert nitrogen from the air into a form that plants can use (nitrification), and they also return nitrogen to the atmosphere through denitrification. This process is essential for maintaining ecosystem health by ensuring the availability of nitrogen for plants.
TYPES OF WHALES THAT VISIT THE BAJA?
GREY WHALE
BLUE WHALE
How do viruses differ from living organisms, and how do they function?
Viruses are not considered fully living because they cannot reproduce on their own. They need a host cell to replicate. Viruses function by attaching to a host cell, injecting their genetic material, and using the host's machinery to produce new virus particles.
How are ecosystems organized from individual organisms to the biosphere? Provide examples.
Ecosystems are organized from individual organisms to the biosphere. The order is: Organism → Population → Community → Ecosystem → Biome → Biosphere. For example, a wolf (organism) is part of a wolf population, interacts with other species in a community, and is part of a forest ecosystem.
What methods do fungi use to obtain nutrients, and how do they play a role in decomposition?
Fungi obtain nutrients by absorbing them from their environment through external digestion. They break down organic matter in dead plants and animals, playing a vital role in decomposition and nutrient recycling in ecosystems.
Describe how biotic and abiotic factors interact within an ecosystem.
Biotic factors (living organisms) interact with abiotic factors (non-living components like water, soil, and climate) to shape ecosystems. For example, plants (biotic) rely on sunlight (abiotic) for photosynthesis.
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Explain the process of cellular respiration and its significance for living organisms.
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose and oxygen to release energy in the form of ATP. It is vital for living organisms because it provides the energy necessary for survival and growth
What is ecological succession, and how does it affect ecosystems over time?
: Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. It occurs in stages: primary succession (begins on bare rock) and secondary succession (follows a disturbance). Over time, this leads to a stable community or climax ecosystem
Describe the process of photosynthesis and explain why it is vital for life on Earth.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. It is vital for life on Earth because it produces oxygen and forms the base of the food chain, supplying energy to most living organisms
How do human activities impact biodiversity and ecosystems? Provide specific examples.
Human activities like deforestation, pollution, and climate change contribute to the loss of biodiversity by destroying habitats and altering ecosystems. For example, pollution can degrade water quality, harming aquatic life.
HOW MANY BONES DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR BODY?
206 BONES
How does having a backbone provide advantages for vertebrates in terms of survival and movement?
The backbone provides structural support, protects the spinal cord, and allows for greater mobility and flexibility, making vertebrates more efficient at movement and adaptation.
How do food chains and food webs differ? Provide an example of each.
Differences between Vertebrates and Invertebrates
Vertebrates have a backbone (e.g., humans, fish).
Invertebrates lack a backbone (e.g., insects, worms).
What role do herbivores play in an ecosystem, and why are they classified as primary consumers?
Herbivores are primary consumers, feeding on plants and converting plant energy into forms that predators can consume. They help regulate plant populations and are an essential part of the food chain.
How do disturbances, such as natural disasters, contribute to ecological succession?
Natural disturbances like wildfires, floods, or volcanic eruptions can lead to secondary succession, where ecosystems recover and evolve into new communities over time.
How do bacteria reproduce, and what advantages does this method provide?
Bacteria reproduce asexually through binary fission, allowing for rapid population growth. This method provides genetic consistency and is advantageous for survival in stable environments.
How does transpiration contribute to the water cycle, and why is it important for plants?
Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. It helps maintain the water cycle and regulates water distribution in ecosystems.
How do different populations interact to form a community within an ecosystem? Provide examples
Populations of different species interact within an ecosystem to form a community. For example, a forest community might include trees, squirrels, birds, and fungi, all interacting in various ways.
What characteristics define the tundra biome, and how do organisms survive in this environment?
The tundra is cold, has low precipitation, and features permafrost. Organisms survive by adapting to extreme cold, low nutrient levels, and long winters. Examples: mosses, lichens, and arctic foxes.
How does pollution contribute to habitat destruction, and what are its long-term effects on biodiversity?
Pollution, such as oil spills or plastic waste, destroys habitats and harms biodiversity by contaminating ecosystems, making them unsuitable for many species. Long-term effects include species extinction and ecosystem degradation.